ACTE has revealed that travel buyer Kurt Knackstedt (pictured) will become the association’s new president from the start of 2014.
Current ACTE board member Knackstedt, who works for mining firm Rio Tinto in Singapore, will replace current ACTE president Suzanne Neufang from January 1.
Neufang said: “Kurt Knackstedt is well known and respected throughout this association. His years of diverse experience in the industry, plus his contribution as ACTE’s Asia board director, are a tremendous asset to the post.”
Knackstedt is currently global category lead of travel and expense management for Rio Tinto, and has previously worked for American Express, Travelport, and Rosenbluth Travel.
“I am committed to ACTE’s global growth and programme excellence,” said Knackstedt.
“This association takes a unique approach in meeting the expectations of its members, and in building relationships with other global groups that share our focus on career growth for our members and event attendees.
“I intend to hear first hand from our members how ACTE can support them with their education, benchmarking and networking needs in this continuously changing travel industry environment.”
ACTE’s executive director Greeley Koch added: “I look forward to working with both Kurt and Suzanne in the months ahead, as ACTE gears up for even more effective global education programmes in 2014.
“There is no substitute for great leadership and teamwork and Kurt personifies that by the way he has supported the organisation as a volunteer.”
acte.org